The Match Racing Winter Series at the Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) is a popular fixture on the local racing calendar.

The series sees different teams race each other on two identical boats. After each race, teams are required to swap boats thus making it a fair but tense competition.

Tactics are very different to those used in fleet racing.

In its efforts to make the sport more popular and increase participation, this year the club will be grouping teams in two categories based on experience – seasoned and newcomers.

Newcomers to match racing are being encouraged to take part. The club will be offering lessons and time to train prior to racing in a separate series.

“Last year’s Match Racing Series generated quite a lot of interest by non-participating crews, and in view of this we are setting up a system where newcomers can avail themselves of lessons and pre-race practice prior to racing in a separate league from the experienced crews,” David Anastasi, RMYC Rear Commodore, said.

“We hope that by the end of the season we will be in a position to have a final between all teams and look forward to seeing some new crews challenge past winners.”

Match racing teams will be made up of up to four sailors and racing will take place on H-boats inside Marsamxett Harbour, close to the RMYC clubhouse in Ta’ Xbiex.

The first race from the 2016 series is planned for January 30. The other competition dates will be February 6 and 13; March 5, 28 and 31; and April 2.

Competition is also open to non-members and the RMYC is encouraging and welcomes other clubs to challenge their teams at the series.